Heat Health Alerts Issued Across England Amidst Worsening Drought
Temperatures set to climb to 36C by Thursday as millions face water restrictions.
Sarah Connor
The UK Health Security Agency has issued amber heat health alerts across much of England.
Nearly three-quarters of England now endures drought conditions, a crisis intensified by a dry start to August following the country’s driest July on record, the Environment Agency confirms. England and Wales recorded their driest July in records dating back to 1836, leaving over 27 million people under water restrictions.
Nowhere in England holds a "normal" status, according to the Environment Agency; only 14 percent of rivers reportedly maintain normal levels for this time of year.
Rainfall totals for July were reportedly just 1 percent of the expectation on average for the south-east of England. England reservoir levels plummeted 16 percent during July, marking the biggest reduction in the month for at least 30 years.
The UK's Health Security Agency (UKHSA) warns that significant impacts are likely across health and social care services due to the high temperatures, including a rise in deaths. The Met Office may be considering issuing extreme heat warnings.
Conditions will worsen without "significant and sustained rainfall," the National Drought Group claims.